Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) is interested in human spaceflight and maintains a highly qualified Canadian astronaut corps capable of participating in space exploration missions. Also, in support of the vision and priorities of the new Space Strategy for Canada, the CSA aims to enable scientific opportunities and global partnerships, and to harness space to solve everyday challenges for Canadians.

The intent of this Announcement of Opportunity (AO) is to provide financial support to researchers at Canadian Universities and post-secondary institutions to conduct science investigations that will lead to a better understanding of human spaceflight risks while contributing to improve remote medicine and health benefits here on Earth. 

This Announcement of Opportunity is divided in two different categories: (1) Data and Sample Mining and (2) Research Model. 

Data and Sample Mining: 

This topic solicits proposals for scientific analysis, using databases or samples derived from existing collections to improve the understanding of the risks of spaceflight or for initial validation of new countermeasures. The studies selected for this Topic are expected to be precursors of Canadian investigations on the ISS or other space research platforms. 

Research Model 

The focus of research to be funded under Research Model will be on non-human subject research models using animals, organoids, cell culture, or microorganisms to investigate space-related health risks.The CSA encourages innovative approaches, such as synthetic biology (i.e. modification of living systems) that support health risk reduction), diagnosis or health care during space missions (prevention, detection or treatment of acute or chronic health issues, infectious disease, radiation exposure, stress, etc.). However, the core of the proposed studies must focus on living systems. 

Eligibility: Canadian unviersities and post-secondary institutions 

Funding: up to $70,000 for a maximum duration of one (1) year for Data and Sample Mining topic; up to $150,000 for a maximum duration of two (2) years for Research Model topic. 

Deadline:

Application start date - 2023

Application deadline: 2023

Website: Data and Sample Mining (DM) or Research Models (RM) - Canada.ca (asc-csa.gc.ca)